Political Science (B.A.)

Political Science is the study of how power, in its many forms, is used to organize human social relations. Our courses analyze how government and politics work at all levels of society, from the national, state, and local to the international. They also explore, in a rigorous and non-partisan way, the ethical dimensions of political debates.

Students who study Political Science not only become better-informed citizens; they also develop expertise in oral argument, written analysis, and critical thinking, all of which are in high demand from public- and private-sector employers in government, politics, law, education, business, and not-for-profit organizations. Our graduates have an outstanding record of success in gaining admission to top graduate schools and law schools, winning major national scholarships, and achieving leadership success in many professional fields.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this degree, students will:

Demonstrate the ability to:

Communicate and write clearly and effectively

Use quantitative and qualitative analytical skills in appropriate situations

Analyze social and political issues with cutting-edge problem solving skills

Lead and engage others ethically and professionally with personal integrity, academic and professional honesty, respect for diversity, and civil deliberation, dissent, and discourse

Be prepared for:

Careers in public and private sectors, especially in the fields of government, politics, law, and public service (for a detailed account, see the latest edition of the American Political Science Association’s Careers and the Study of Political Science)

Graduate study/law school

Active and engaged leadership and citizenship in one’s community, the nation, and beyond

In the discipline, students will identify basic and explain advanced key terms and concepts in the major fields of the discipline:

A grade of C- or higher in all department courses required for the major and an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses required in the major.

No more than 9 credits taken at the 100xx level will count toward the major requirements.

Credit will not be given for both POL 20001 and POL 40101 courses with the same topic.

Neither POL 39800 or POL 48200 may count for more than 6 credits toward the major requirements.

Together POL 39800 and POL 48200 may not count for more than 9 credits toward the major requirements.

To earn the B.A. with a major in Political Science, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above:

General Education Requirements: Credits 33

Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details.

Some majors may require particular General Education courses as specified in their program description. Up to six credits of approved General Education courses satisfying requirements in Areas A and B, and three credits satisfying requirements in Area C, may originate in the major. A grade of C- or higher in each course, and an overall GPA of 2.0 is required to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

Additional Political Science Courses: Credits 12

No more than 9 credits taken at the 100xx level will count toward the major requirements

Credit will not be given for both POL 20001 and POL 40101 courses with the same topic.

Neither POL 39800 or POL 48200 may count for more than 6 credits toward the major requirements.

Together POL 39800 and POL 48200 may not count for more than 9 credits toward the major requirements.

General Electives

Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120.

Total Credits: 120

Student Responsibility

You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.